Clove is a small reddish brown flower bud of the tropical evergreen tree syzygium aromaticum and is native to the Molucca Islands. Intense in aroma and flavor, this spice is hot and slightly sweet. Cloves are best bought whole. As a powder flavour quickly deteriorates. It is used as spice in cuisine all over the world. Cloves are used in dishes to impart its distinctive flavor. Since the aroma is strong only little is required to be used. They are also frequently used in various North and South Indian dishes. Whole cloves are frequently used to flavour cooking liquids for simmering fish, poultry, game and meat. They feature in classic sauces and are used in the bakery industry and the processed meats industry as a ground spice. The large amounts of essential oils from flower buds and leaves are used in various dietary supplements and herbal remedies, in dentistry and as flavourings in perfumes, beverages, tooth pastes etc.